IPL 2020: Ravi Bishnoi looking forward to spend time with coach Anil Kumble at KXIP

Bishnoi was the highest wicket-taker during the recently held ICC Under-19 World Cup 2020.

Ravi Bishnoi | Getty

During the just-concluded ICC Under-19 World Cup in South Africa, India unearthed another quality spinner in Ravi Bishnoi. The 19-year-old leggie finished the showpiece tournament as highest wicket-taker with 17 scalps, including a superb spell (4/30) riddle with googlies in the final against Bangladesh.

WATCH – India and Bangladesh cricketers indulge in ugly spat after the final

He might be receiving a lot of praise from the cricket fraternity, but Bishnoi doesn’t want to let the accolades get to his head.

The youngster is now looking forward to the time he will get to spend with the legendary Anil Kumble during the Indian Premier League (IPL) at Kings XI Punjab.

"I am very excited that I will get to spend quality time with none other than Anil Kumble Sir during the IPL and my only lookout is to pick his brain and learn as much as I can. I will look to stay around him and work on the finer areas of my bowling under his guidance," Bishnoi told IANS.

Apart from being the leading wicket-taker in the marquee event, Bishnoi also earned a place in the ICC team of the 2020 Under-19 World Cup. But for the leg-spinner, winning games for India was his sole motive when he took the field in South Africa.

"I wasn't there for records. My aim was to win my team games and ultimately come back with the trophy. It was always on my mind that every time I take the field, I should contribute in a manner that we come out triumphant at the end of the game," he pointed.

Speaking about India’s heartbreaking three-wicket defeat in the final against Bangladesh, Bishnoi said: "A little disappointed would be an understatement and it will always stay with me that we couldn't pass the final test. We did well right through, but winning the final would have been the perfect way to end."

Bishnoi was among the five players who were sanctioned by the ICC for their misconduct after the final. But he doesn't wish to talk about what happened in the heat of the moment.

"I would really not wish to comment on that. Whatever happened is in the past and I don't wish to get into that," he said.

IPL 2020 is scheduled to start from March 29 and Bishnoi reckons it will be an important platform to impress the selectors.

"The U-19 World Cup, as well as the Indian Premier League, are two very important platforms for any budding cricketer. These are the tournaments wherein your performances get highlighted and the selectors take note, so I will definitely look to give it my best because at the end of the day, we all dream of playing for the Indian team. Every time I get an opportunity, I will look to give it my 100 percent," he remarked.

(With IANS inputs)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 14 Feb, 2020

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